Divide the group into two teams, divide the pitch into areas (see the diagram). Both teams must have a left and right winger who can only play in the two out-side lanes. The winger
Copy the pitch picture as closely as numbers allow.
Protect ball-rolling time; intervene in natural stoppages.
Use STEP live if challenge or success tips too far.
Session flow
8m
18m
18m
16m
5m
Arrival · 8 mins
Warm-up rondo — Coming in off the line.
8:00
Players arrive into a ball-rolling activity linked to the session theme.
Organisation: Small grids / mini pitches ready before players arrive.
Coaching points
Smile, connect, set the learning intention early.
High ball rolling from the first minute.
Progressions
Add directional constraints.
Regressions
Reduce pressure / enlarge space.
Whole game · 18 mins
Conditioned game — Coming in off the line.
18:00
Directional game with a condition that makes coming in off the line. the easiest path to success. Multi-ball restarts.
Organisation: Age-appropriate pitch; bibs.
Coaching points
Recognise when coming in off the line. is on.
In possession: create and use space.
Out of possession: organise early.
Progressions
Tighten space or add a scoring bonus for the theme.
Regressions
Add a neutral / bounce player.
Part practice · 18 mins
Coming in off the line.
18:00
Divide the group into two teams, divide the pitch into areas (see the diagram). Both teams must have a left and right winger who can only play in the two out-side lanes. The wingers are un-opposed and must move to the outside lanes when their team is in possession. The defending winger must move to the inside lane and is able to block the pass through to the attacking winger or when the winger tries to cross the ball. The other players must play in the centre zone looking to use the wingers once they have gained possession.
Look to move quickly to receive the ball once possession changes. Can you put the defender off balance to create space to cross the ball.
Allow the defending winger to press the attacking winger on his first touch. Think about
When passing to the wingers can you look to play the ball so he can move for-ward on his first touch.
Progressions
Progression.
Regressions
Remove opposition or enlarge the area to restore success.
Game · 16 mins
Transfer game — Coming in off the line.
16:00
Open or lightly conditioned game. Freeze only to reinforce one coaching point from coming in off the line..
Organisation: Age-appropriate pitch and numbers.
Coaching points
Catch them being good when the theme appears.
Manage challenge vs success live.
Progressions
Remove all conditions.
Regressions
Reintroduce the theme condition for 3 minutes.
Plenary · 5 mins
Review & cool down
5:00
Players share one learning from the session against the intention.
Organisation: Team huddle.
Coaching points
Link back to Four Corners and next session.
Related drills
Drill 257
1v1 & Shoot.
Middle of pitch blocked off
teams at either ends
must pass past the defender to attacker coming from the sideline
After pass you move to next spot and become the striker
Switch and attack down the left
If tagged you become the defender
Game:
- Attacking team starts from half way each time balls is out of play
- Both teams get chance at attacking
Pass must go between the lines (offside trap)
5 points for corners
GK/Defenders:
Ball to half way goals to score
Setup:
Each team has 4 defenders, 2 attackers & a GK
Defenders locked in a square
Attackers free to roam their channel (4 squares wide)
Objective:
Defenders play ball into attackers to score goal
Challenges:
Defenders keep ball across their 4 square channel until attacker shows an opportunity
Attackers work as a team to get ball from 4 defenders
1 and 2 touch
Progression:
Attackers must pass to each other before scoring
Progression 2:
When defender plays ball into attacking channel they can join that channel and leave their square
Progression 3:
When defender plays a pass they must swap grid with another defender
Break the line
Setup:
Each team has 3 defenders, 1 attacker & a GK
Defenders locked in a square (or 2)
Attackers free to roam their channel (4 squares wide)
Objective:
Defenders play ball into attackers to score goal
Challenges:
Defenders keep ball across their 4 square channel until attacker shows an opportunity
Attackers work hard to get ball from 3 defenders
1 and 2 touch
Progression:
Attackers must score quickly or pass back
Progression 2:
When defender plays ball into attacking channel they can join that channel and leave their square
Progression 3:
When defender plays a pass they must swap grid with another defender
Break the line u10s